Colorado governor signs the end of car ‘puffing’ ban

It won’t be a crime next winter to leave cars running unattended in Colorado- if they have remote-start systems.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has signed into law an end to the state’s full ban on so-called “puffing,” or leaving a car running while the driver is away.

The practice is common on frigid Colorado winter mornings, but can leave the driver with a ticket because “puffing” makes cars vulnerable to theft. Legislative analysts say there are about 50 “puffing” tickets issued per year across Colorado.

The new law exempts car owners with remote-start systems. Drivers must keep the keyless start fob far enough away from the car that the vehicle can’t be moved.

The change takes effect in August.